Local doctors suggest skipping door-to-door trick-or-treating, avoiding large gatherings

ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s a dilemma for families all over Central Florida: How to celebrate Halloween with their children during a pandemic.

Health officials said the usual door-to-door trick-or-treating is not a good plan this year.

For those who plan on heading out to check out a bar or restaurant, the city of Orlando is helping by handing out free personal protection equipment to businesses.

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But for younger families still deciding on whether to go trick-or-treating, doctors are suggesting to avoid it and do something indoors with your family.

Many parents are staying clear of hopping from house to house this year.

“We are just kind of playing it simple. We are going to a friend’s house and doing like a barbecue and doing trick-or-treating in the home,” said Ashley Dannic.

READ: Portions of Orange Avenue to shut down on Halloween to allow for outside drinking

In College Park, members of a Facebook group set up a trick-or-treat block party.

But, the biggest push throughout the pandemic has been to avoid large crowds and gatherings.

Dr. Raul Pino with the Orange County Health Department gave a warning as residents head into Halloween weekend.

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“When you have a smaller group, if the virus gets into — let’s say you have 10 — you will get five people infected,” Pino said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines warning people to avoid high risk Halloween activities like door-to-door trick-or-treating, indoor costume parties or entering a haunted house.

Coronavirus: CDC announces high risk Halloween activities (NCD)

Cox Media Group